Sweden advanced to their second consecutive World Cup semi-final with an impressive 2-1 victory over Japan. A first-half goal from Amanda Ilestedt and Filippa Angeldal’s penalty stunned Nadeshiko in front of more than 43,000 in Auckland. Honoka Hayashi pulled a late goal back for Japan but it was not enough to mount a comeback.
Japan had been the eye-catching team of the tournament, sweeping away everyone in their path. Futoshi Ikeda’s side play with joy and guile, tactically adaptable and with strong ability across the pitch. They had won all their encounters before this by at least a two-goal margin, accumulating 14 goals. Ikeda made one change to the team that had overcome Norway last Saturday as Hina Sugita came in for Jun Endo in midfield.
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